PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Amtrak train with 183 passengers aboard that has been stuck since Sunday after hitting a tree is on the move.
Amtrak says workers freed the Coast Starlight train Tuesday morning and it’s headed to Eugene, Oregon.
The train had left Seattle for Los Angeles early Sunday but hit a tree in Oakridge, Oregon, about 6:20 p.m. Oakridge is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) southeast of Eugene. Amtrak says it made the decision to keep passengers on the train in the interest of safety because electricity was out in Oakridge and roads were blocked by debris and more than a foot of heavy snow.
Amtrak says it was able to provide food, heat, electricity and toilets.
The railroad says it will contact passengers to provide refunds and other compensation.
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train left Seattle for Los Angeles early Sunday but hit a tree in Oakridge, Oregon, about 6:20 p.m. Oakridge is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) southeast of Eugene.
Union Pacific spokesman Tim McMahan says crews are clearing the track and were expected to reach the train by 6 a.m. PST Tuesday. He says the train will move back to Eugene and Portland.
Amtrak made the decision to keep passengers on the train because electricity is out in Oakridge. Amtrak says there is ample food on board.
Passenger Carly Bigby tells KOIN-TV parents have run out of diapers and there is limited cellphone service.
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